TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog

Amazon's MacBook Air stock dwindles

Steven Sande — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:30:00 EST

Last week TUAW reported on the diminishing numbers of MacBook Airs available from third-party retailers like Best Buy. Now the source of that information, AppleInsider, is reporting that Amazon is completely sold out of the 11.6-inch low-end MacBook Air (1.7 GHz Intel Core i5, 64 GB storage) with other models showing that they're "n/a".

AppleInsider points out that Amazon's listing for the entry-level 11.6-inch model is "consistent with a discontinued item on Amazon, with no indication that stock will be replenished. In contrast, the online retailer typically portrays a simple stockout with availability advertised for 'one to two months.'"

Stock of many MacBook Air configurations is limited at other retailers, including Best Buy, MacMall, J&R and MacConnection. Apple Stores and the online store still show availability of both the 11.6-inch and 13-inch models.

Speculation is rife that new MacBook Air models might be announced during the WWDC 2013 keynote on June 10, possibly using Intel's new Haswell processors for increased performance and battery life.

Amazon's MacBook Air stock dwindles originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 23 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: The definition of insanity

Chris Rawson — Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Have you ever heard the saying, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?" Apparently none of the rumor blogs have, because they keep publishing the same sketchy rumors from the same terrible sources. Many of these sources (*coughDigitimes* *coughPeterMisekcoughcough*) have proven to be wrong so often that they've been publicly lambasted by numerous actual news outlets... but for some reason, "sources from the Far East" and "analysts" still account for two out of the three legs on the rumor blogs' increasingly shaky table.

Despite 'mounting' pressure, Apple not seen releasing 'iPhablet' until middle of next year (BGR)

This is a perfect example of a rumor with a truly terrible source. Here's your homework assignment, BGR: tell us the last time "analyst" Peter Misek made a prediction about Apple that actually turned out to be true. Go ahead, we'll wait.

In the meantime, the rumor itself doesn't make any sense. Apple is apparently feeling "pressure" from phablet sales. Apple. The company that sold 37 million iPhones in three months. The company running away with most of the profits in the smartphone industry. That Apple. "Pressure."

Rumor: Apple to feature sapphire crystal touch home button on 'iPhone 5S' (AppleInsider)

It seems like every year since 2008 we've had rumors trotted out claiming that Apple will be ditching the physical Home button on iOS devices. One year we hear they're ditching the Home button entirely; the next year we hear they're switching to a capacitive sensor. Year after year, the Home button is one of the few aspects of the iPhone that's remained essentially unchanged since day one. One starts to see a pattern...

iPhone 5S could be the first 'S' to feature a major hardware revision (BGR)

BGR falls into a classic trap: because "S"-type iPhones look externally identical to their immediate predecessors, that means they don't have major hardware changes. Ask anyone who used an iPhone 3G and switched to an iPhone 3GS what they think of that line of thinking. As for the rumor, some analyst claims the next iPhone will have a fingerprint sensor under the Home button. If that sounds familiar, it's because the rumor blogs were "reporting" exactly the same thing last year, from exactly the same analyst. Guess how many iPhone 5 handsets have fingerprint sensors? I'll give you a hint: it's an integer between -1 and 1.

iPhone 5S fingerprint sensor seemingly confirmed (BGR)

BGR continues the tradition of playing fast and loose with the word "confirmed." You'd think they would have learned by now that nothing is confirmed until it shows up in an Apple keynote, but apparently when some guy at PayPal (who reads the same stupid rumors as the rest of us) makes an oblique reference to Apple, that counts as "confirming" something.

Here's the actual quote from the guy at PayPal: "It's widely rumored that a large technology provider in Cupertino, Calif., will come out with a phone later this year that has a fingerprint reader on it." Maybe I'm the one who's slow on the uptake, but I'm not seeing any confirmation here. At all.

Retina iPad mini leak points to upgraded processor and cameras (BGR)

This rumor was so sketchy that no one else touched it. But BGR was on the case, re-blogging a story from MobiLeaks. A "tipster" sent MobiLeaks a "detailed render" and a laundry list of stats about the supposed next-gen iPad mini. It's the kind of "tip" we used to get at TUAW all the time, and it's something we've long since learned to avoid (or, occasionally, make fun of).

Not just another pretty face: Apple's iPhone 5S to see big internal overhaul (BGR)

If it seems like I'm picking on BGR this week, well... I am, a little. But only because they made it so easy this week. This story in particular is just plain ridiculous. BGR takes a bunch of high-resolution shots of ribbon cables and SIM card trays, paints it as some kind of exciting exclusive, and extrapolates that the next iPhone will have "a big internal overhaul."

This is, in principle, not much different from publishing a post comparing a spark plug from a 2014 BMW to a 2013 BMW and speculating that the 2014 model will have an all-new engine design.

I've said it before, but it's worth repeating: if these are the kinds of parts leaks we can look forward to from now on, then Tim Cook's statement about "doubling down on secrecy" starts to look a whole lot more believable.

Rumor: LG, Sharp & AUO gearing up to build displays for Apple's next iPad mini (AppleInsider)

"The rumor was reported on Friday by hit-or-miss DigiTimes" -- but let's re-blog it anyway, because hey, journalism! *jazz hands*

Corning launches Lotus XT Glass for high performance mobile displays, prime candidate for future iOS devices (9to5 Mac)

Guess how many times Corning's original press release mentions Apple?

Difficult Negotiations May Prevent 'iRadio' Launch at WWDC (MacRumors)

Shocker: widely-rumored streaming music service may not launch after all. Again. It's the same story every year:

10 Apple will be launching a streaming music service later this year
20 Negotiations with record labels have stalled
30 GOTO 10

MacBook Air inventory begins dwindling ahead of Apple's WWDC (AppleInsider)

A delightfully old-school rumor here: one with actual research behind it. Instead of just lazily re-reporting the latest ravings from some "analyst," AppleInsider actually went to the effort of (gasp) verifying something. This puts the likelihood of this rumor being true head and shoulders above the typical nonsense from "analysts" and the like.

Rumor: Production of Apple's 33% lighter fifth-gen iPad to begin in July (AppleInsider)

Awww... and then AppleInsider blows that brief credibility gain almost immediately by re-reporting yet another B.S. story from "hit-or-miss" Digitimes.

Apple Reportedly Testing 1.5-Inch OLED Displays for Smart Watch (MacRumors)

MacRumors re-blogs Macotakara, which itself is re-blogging a Taiwanese newspaper, which cites a display maker source in Asia. Let's play Apple Rumor Telephone, the game where everyone loses!

New details on redesigned next-gen iPad emerge (BGR)

Here, "details" means "more nonsense from Digitimes, re-blogged without pausing even momentarily to evaluate the source critically."

Apple Raising Notebook Orders Ahead of Likely Launch at WWDC (MacRumors)

"Digitimes reports that Godzilla attacks are on the rise, with casualties in Asian factories estimated to rise 75 percent year-over-year." I think that's what the article said. I can't be sure, though, because as usual I stopped reading when I saw who the source was for this rumor.

Rumor Roundup: The definition of insanity originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paypal security chief wants more fingerprints, fewer passwords in future iPhones

Steven Sande — Mon, 13 May 2013 14:00:00 EST

Speaking at an Interop keynote last week, Paypal Chief Information Security Officer Michael Barrett hinted that PINs and passwords may be going away when it comes to account security on smartphones. According to a post on CIO's website, Barrett serves as the president of the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance, an industry group looking for ways to replace the 52-year-old password technology with stronger authentication methods.

FIDO combines hardware, software and internet services to provide that higher level of authentication. That hardware can include a fingerprint scanner, a voice reader or something else. Barrett noted in his keynote that FIDO-enabled devices should begin appearing later this year, and he'd love to see Apple and other smartphone manufacturers leading the way to making FIDO mainstream: "It's widely rumored that a large technology provider in Cupertino, Calif., will come out with a phone later this year that has a fingerprint reader on it," he said. "There is going to be a fingerprint enabled phone on the market later this year. Not just one, multiple."

Apple, of course, bought fingerprint security firm AuthenTec last year. Whether or not the company plans to incorporate AuthenTec's technology in a phone debuting this year is pure conjecture at this point, but comments by Barrett and other information security executives seem to indicate that FIDO technology will be part of standard smartphone gear sooner than we expect.

[via MacRumors]

Paypal security chief wants more fingerprints, fewer passwords in future iPhones originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: Delayed until whenever

Chris Rawson — Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Several of this week's rumors strongly suggest that a main fixture in any analyst's office is a dartboard with months listed on it instead of numbers. "Apple will launch its next iPhone in..." *throws dart* "...September. Of course! Quickly, Robin: to the B.S.mobile!"

Analyst: Apple to release Retina display iPad mini models in Q3 and early 2014 [u] (AppleInsider)

Some analyst makes claims about upcoming Apple product launches. He offers precisely zero proof. The rumor blogs breathlessly "report" his musings anyway. Stop me if any of this is sounding depressingly familiar.

As its shares rebound, Apple seen as ready to 'change the narrative' (AppleInsider)

One analyst has broken away from the "Apple is DOOMED" crowd and instead expects the company to recover some stock value on the strength of new product announcements. I would agree with him if Apple's stock price were in any way logically connected to the reality of the company's financial performance... but that hasn't been true for a long time. When it comes to Apple's share price, the inmates are running the asylum, and they have been since late last year.

Foxconn looks to lessen reliance on iPhone, positions for potential Apple television (AppleInsider)

It turns out Foxconn makes products for companies other than Apple, and it's interested in continuing to do so in the future. Who could ever have guessed? Meanwhile, Foxconn's interest in televisions obviously points to a future Apple HDTV, because it's not like Foxconn makes products for companies other than Apple.

Wait, I'm confused. Is Foxconn diversifying away from Apple's existing products or doubling down on Apple products that don't exist yet and may never see the light of day? Well, no matter which way it goes down it doesn't matter, because Apple is obviously DOOMED either way.

Mass Production of Retina Displays for iPad Mini Expected to Start in June or July (MacRumors)

Or August, or September, or October, or...

Sharp to reportedly start 'iPhone 5S' LCD production in June (AppleInsider)

Or July, or August, or September, or...

Morgan Stanley: Apple on track to build multiple new iPhone models in June-July (AppleInsider)

Or August, or September, or October, or...

Surge in Apple's iOS 7 Usage Revealed in Web Traffic Stats (MacRumors)

BREAKING: Widely-expected Apple operating system shows up in web traffic logs shortly before its debut at WWDC [note to editor: change article's dates from 2012 to 2013]

Rumors of low-cost iPhone rekindled as Pegatron said to hire additional 40K workers (AppleInsider)

Like Foxconn, electronics manufacturer Pegatron apparently doesn't make devices for anyone except Apple, and the only possible explanation for Pegatron hiring more workers is that it somehow relates to manufacturing unreleased and long-rumored Apple products.

Purported next-gen iPhone motherboard part may reveal tweaked camera design (AppleInsider)

Remember when Tim Cook said Apple was "doubling down on secrecy," and we all laughed at him? Yet this story is typical of what parts leaks have looked like in 2013: very minor parts divorced from the overall device context and forcing rumor blogs to get all CSI on them. "Zoom. Enhance. Enhance. There. You see? The slightly different shape of the pin connectors suggests -- hey, are you falling asleep? Wake up!"

Pegatron CEO says Bloomberg reporter made up report of 'falling iPad mini demand' (9to5 Mac)

I for one am absolutely shocked that Bloomberg would misrepresent information in an attempt to gin up some more "Apple is DOOMED" nonsense. That's just not like them at all. /sarcasm

This seems like a good time to remind everyone that you can't spell "controversy" without "con."

New Nexus 7 to be highlight of Google I/O as 'iPad mini 2' faces delay, analyst says (AppleInsider)

Some analyst claims Google's new tablet is positioned to take advantage of the new-model iPad mini's "delay."

Let's make one thing clear, "analysts": an unannounced product cannot, by definition, be "delayed." Just because the product wasn't announced by your first out-of-thin-air, B.S. guesstimate date doesn't mean it's been "delayed." It means Apple releases products according to its own internal scheduling, not according to whatever you throw into your "note to investors" after chugging the water in your Magic 8 Ball.

Big changes coming to AppleCare this fall: warranty subscriptions, in-store iOS device repairs, more (AppleInsider)

Honestly, it's so refreshing to see a rumor with a source other than some so-called "analyst" that I'm prepared to believe this story whether it turns out to be true or not.

Rumor Roundup: Delayed until whenever originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: Sad state

Chris Rawson — Mon, 06 May 2013 08:15:00 EST

Let's open this week's roundup with an examination of the state of the Apple rumor scene.

The sad state of Apple rumors (Macworld)

This past week, Macworld published an article lamenting the current state of Apple rumors. Macworld's take is that the Big Three Devices have already launched -- Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad. What we're left with is scraps of rumors regarding iterative upgrades to these devices, or products like the rumored smartwatch and HDTV that don't seem to rev Macworld's engine.

Macworld is right about one thing: Apple rumors are in a truly sad state. But it has less to do with the devices (real or imagined) under discussion and more to do with universally terrible sourcing and a pervasive lack of critical thinking skills when evaluating what those terrible sources have to say.

Any industry that wilfully publishes every last scrap of information that dribbles out of some random, often-wrong analyst is definitely in a sad state... and this week was a perfect object lesson in just how sad it's become.

Rumor: Leaked KDDI document claims 'iPhone 5S' pre-orders go live June 20, launch in July (AppleInsider)

There is no chance that any wireless carrier anywhere in the world knows the launch date of Apple's new iPhone this far in advance. To its credit, AppleInsider spent a significant portion of this article pointing out all the reasons this document might not be the genuine article -- but the fact they published this nonsense in the first place negates any points they may have gained.

Apple to release OS X 10.9 with new power-user features, more from iOS later this year (9to5 Mac)

None of these rumored features sound particularly outlandish. 9to5 Mac probably has an internal source at Apple for stories like this, as its software forecasts generally turn out to be far more accurate than average.

Jony Ive paints a fresh, yet familiar, look for iOS 7 (9to5 Mac)

Despite the length of this article, there isn't much here that's either new or surprising. The second it became known that Ive was going to be in charge of iOS software UI design, virtually everyone expected him to strip out all the stitched leather, green felt and yellow notebook paper that's been proliferating through iOS. It seems pretty obvious that a man well-known for creating simple, functional, and iconic hardware designs would bring that same aesthetic sense to the software.

iPhone reportedly coming to Boost Mobile in Q3 of 2013 (9to5 Mac)

Around this time in 2012, the iPhone was rumored to be headed for Boost Mobile in September. It didn't happen.

As Apple readies entry-level iPhone, low-cost smartphone market predicted to explode (BGR)

From the article: "Apple hasn't announced any new smartphones yet this year, but the company's plans seem like a matter of public record at this point." Someone please tell BGR that rumor does not equal fact. The article that follows quotes some "market research firm" throwing numbers up in the air like chicken bones and then trying to divine Apple's intentions from how they fall. This "research firm" also falls into the always hilarious trap of predicting what the smartphone market will look like five years in the future. Extra credit awarded to anyone who finds 2008 predictions from this same firm and compares it to the reality in 2013.

In iOS 7, Apple wants to own your car's console with Maps and Siri integration (9to5 Mac)

Tighter car-iPhone integration is something we can all get behind. Unless you're a motorcycle rider like me, in which case you're probably just hoping this makes it less likely drivers will get so distracted by Siri's antics that they merge right into your face.

Apple relents: iPhone 6 with larger display reportedly due in June 2014 (BGR)

Full disclosure: this headline makes me angry. "Apple relents?" It's like BGR pictures crowds of pitchfork-waving peasants storming Cupertino demanding iPhones with gigantic screens. Meanwhile, Tim Cook's sulking in an office at 1 Infinite Loop, a single tear running down his face as he says, "You know what? FINE. Have an iPhablet. Whatever, I don't care anymore."

The sourcing behind this article is typically terrible. Analyst Peter Misek, who's been proven many times to be wrong far more often than he's right, claims Apple will be launching a big-screen iPhone 6 in June 2014.

Let's be clear about this: there is absolutely no one outside of a select few high-level employees at Apple who has any idea what the company's plans are more than a year from now. Anyone outside of that cadre claiming to have inside knowledge of Apple's roadmap is selling something... and it's your own foolish fault if you buy it.

iPad mini reportedly accounted for 64% of all iPads shipped last quarter (BGR)

Speaking of terrible rumor sourcing, "unnamed sources have told Digitimes" something or other. I don't know exactly what, because I stopped reading this article the instant my eyes hit the D-word.

Haswell graphics performance makes Retina MBA a possibility - but not a certainty (9to5 Mac)

This is less of a rumor article and more an analysis from someone who kind of sounds like he knows what he's talking about. It's a good look at how many things have to fit together in order to make Retina MacBook Airs a reality -- display density, graphical performance, battery capacity and life, and cost are just a few of the factors at hand. Display density and graphical performance appear to be addressed; whether the other two have been solved will likely be the determining factor in how soon we'll see Retina displays on Apple's smallest notebooks.

Apple to test low-cost iPhone in small volumes - (unlikely) supply chain claim (9to5 Mac)

Digitimes makes a claim that 9to5 Mac finds spurious enough to call it out as unlikely in the headline... but 9to5 Mac still publishes the information anyway.

Guys, I promise that if we all stop paying attention to Digitimes, they will eventually go away. That is literally how the news media works. Ask any of the thousands of newspapers that have been shut down in the past 20 years.

Will the low-cost iPhone in fact be a $350 mid-level handset? (9to5 Mac)

Notice how we've moved on from questioning whether this device exists at all to speculating on how much it will cost.

Smart TV Adoption Growing Rapidly, Market Ripe for Apple iTV (MacRumors)

The original survey makes no mention of an Apple-branded HDTV at all, but that doesn't stop MacRumors from ginning up speculation about the long-rumored device.

I bought a new TV last year and deliberately steered clear of paying for extra features I knew I'd never use, like 3D, Internet connectivity, and half-baked apps. It was actually quite difficult finding a TV with a decent display that omitted these features, and a year later it's probably more difficult still.

I have always believed the HDTV industry is one Apple would be wise to steer clear of, for many reasons. Nothing remotely credible has surfaced over the past several years to alter my opinion.

Bloomberg: Jony Ive's new software design role could lead to delays for iOS 7 (9to5 Mac)

Now we come to the biggest rumor debacle of the week. I've singled out 9to5 Mac here, but every rumor blog out there ate up Bloomberg's story about an iOS 7 delay quicker than a t-bone steak thrown into a piranha tank. MacRumors' take on the same story references an update from AllThingsD describing specific UI changes expected, but the article makes no mention of AllThingsD's debunking of the "iOS 7 delayed" claims.

It's only later in the day that we get updates like these:

Despite Apple's shuffling of engineers, iOS 7 'will ship on time' - report (AppleInsider)
iOS 7 to Ship 'On Time' as OS X Engineers Pitch In (MacRumors)

Here's a blow-by-blow recap of how the day played out with regard to this rumor.

Bloomberg publishes a story claiming that inside sources say iOS 7's debut will be delayed.
Every rumor blog on the planet jumps on the story and re-reports it without a second's hesitation.
AllThingsD and other more reputable sources (such as Jim Dalrymple) come forward and say that iOS 7 will, in fact, launch on time.
Every rumor blog on the planet jumps on the update and re-reports it without correcting or retracting their previous posts.

That is the sad state of Apple rumors right there.

Rumor Roundup: Sad state originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 06 May 2013 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: Not so wounded as we were led to believe

Chris Rawson — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

Apple released its quarterly financial results this past week, and it turns out the company is significantly less doomed that many had predicted. It looks like Apple lives to fight for another quarter... unfortunately, that also means three more months of gibberish from "analysts" and other galactically disreputable sources.

Apple profits may have fallen for the first time in a decade, says analysts (9to5 Mac)

This analysis of Apple's profit was off by "only" 30 million dollars, or 7 cents per share. Predicted revenue was $1.2 billion less than what Apple actually made for the quarter. But hey, what's a billion dollars here and there, am I right? Barely even worth quibbling over.

Apple rejects 5-8m iPhones supplied by Foxconn (9to5 Mac)

From the article: "Details of just what went wrong are sketchy, as the source for this tale is an anonymous Foxconn staffer." Sounds legit! There's no possible way a source that solid could be wrong, or not privy to the whole story, or just plain making it all up.

LG Display's profits grow, but reports cite 'weakened' demand for Apple's iPhone & iPad (AppleInsider)

It's now reached the point where even Apple's component suppliers can't turn in positive financial performance without it somehow being spun into the "Apple is DOOMED" meta-narrative. LG had a major financial performance gain, but the real story is that it had a sequential loss since the holiday quarter. Gee, I wonder why sales during this past financial quarter might be lower than during the holiday quarter... can't think of anything. Obviously it's all down to Apple "losing its luster." That's it. No other explanation possible, Apple DOOMED.

It Can't All Be True (Daring Fireball)

John Gruber makes a similar point to mine regarding the different takes on LG's financial performance: the media is so drunk on the anti-Apple Kool-Aid that it'll grasp at any straw that seemingly supports its position.

New Photos Show Inside of iPad 5 Rear Shell, iPhone 5S SIM Tray (MacRumors)

More truly scintillating parts leaks. In particular, the not-at-all-different nano-SIM tray is bound to show up on the front page of newspapers worldwide.

More Claims of 'Delays' for iPhone 5S Over Fingerprint Sensor Issues (MacRumors)

Some analyst says the speculative date for the iPhone's launch is being moved to a later speculative date because of problems implementing speculative technology that no one has been able to prove Apple is even interested in integrating into its products. Got all that? This is pretty much a wild guess sandwich with conjecture sauce. The problem with this sandwich: there's absolutely no meat to it.

Survey shows 19% of North American consumers want an 'iWatch' (BGR)

I bet if you asked them, 19 percent of North American consumers would want an edible couch made out of nachos. Polls like this tell us absolutely nothing about Apple's plans, or the relative likelihood that any such product exists or will ever exist.

Imagine how stupid and broken Apple's products and business would be if they were guided by market research and polling instead of being generated by people with refined design sense who actually know what they're doing. Actually, it's not all that hard to imagine; that's kind of how Microsoft works now.

Apple reportedly 'caught flat-footed' by the rise of phablets (BGR)

Some analyst thinks that Apple and its 4-inch screened iPhone 5 is on the ropes because Samsung makes devices with 5-inch screens. Considering Apple sold over 37 million iPhones last quarter, I'm guessing they're not caught nearly as "flat-footed" as this "analyst" suggests.

Every time I hear about how Apple is scrambling to "catch up" to Samsung, I can't help but laugh. Look at it this way: Apple spends billions of dollars every quarter on research and development in order to design and build products so good they pretty much sell themselves. Samsung instead spends billions of dollars every quarter on marketing and advertising to convince people that its blatant iPhone clones are the best products. It's a small but crucial difference in how the two companies operate.

Every time an analyst suggests that Apple (number one in profits, revenue, consumer satisfaction) needs to be more like Samsung (number one in market share and, um... losing major patent lawsuits), an angel loses his wings.

iPhone 5S will reportedly launch in early September (BGR)

Someone spins a roulette wheel and lands on "September" for the next iPhone launch. And for some reason, it's reported like it's legitimate news from a source that matters. Reports of weeping sounds coming from Edward R. Murrow's gravesite could not be verified at press time.

Upgraded MacBook models expected to highlight WWDC 2013 (AppleInsider)

Some analyst thinks the "highlight" of WWDC 2013 will be MacBooks with no major design changes. No Retina MacBook Air, no discontinuation of the optical drive MacBook Pro, and allegedly the biggest change to the lineup will be a move to a new processor architecture. Sounds absolutely thrilling. I'm sure Tim Cook will be pleased to make such an earth-shaking product announcement the central focus of Apple's yearly developer conference.

Yield issues to keep Apple from building Retina iPad mini until October - report (AppleInsider)

Some analyst -- the same analyst as for the previous rumor -- thinks the Retina display iPad mini has been "delayed" until October. Here's a question: did anyone honestly expect to see this device launch before then anyway? Show of hands. Okay, now all of you with triple-digit IQs, put your hands down. Wow, still lots of hands up...

Apple Considering Lower-Priced iPad Mini at $199-$249? (MacRumors)

The same analyst again? Wow, this guy sure was busy this week, as were all the rumor blogs breathlessly reporting every single word he said as though it came from Apple's highest echelons instead of some guy throwing darts at a wall and seeing what sticks. This time, he thinks Apple will sell an iPad mini with no rear camera and only 8 GB of storage to get the cost down to $199 to $249.

Considering how low the margins are on the $329 iPad mini already, I don't really see Apple doing this. And even if the company did, can you imagine the reaction? I can. "The only way Apple can compete on price is by selling a crippled, almost useless version of its already cut-down iPad mini. This proves not only that Apple can't innovate anymore (a tablet without a rear-facing camera? How very 2010), but also that Apple's much-vaunted supply chain advantage is dwindling in the face of increased competition from Samsung and others. Can anyone right Apple's sinking ship? Time will tell, but this new version of the iPad mini may also turn out to be indicative of a huge problem that could shake Apple to the core."

I feel like I need a shower after typing that. I don't know how the hacks at the Wall Street Journal and other anti-Apple financial rags manage to write stuff like that every day without giving in to the urge to exfoliate themselves with a belt sander.

Rumor Roundup: Not so wounded as we were led to believe originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: Selective skepticism

Chris Rawson — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST

Many websites have learned the hard way that any 15-year-old kid with a copy of Photoshop and too much time on his hands can easily brew up a convincing "leaked" Apple product. Justifiably, then, these same sites sometimes greet photos of leaked parts with a degree of skepticism. Now, if only they'd employ that same skepticism when evaluating the nonsense that spews from legions of so-called "analysts."

Foxconn resumes hiring in preparation for Apple's next iPhone (AppleInsider)

Foxconn is hiring a bunch of people, which means everyone immediately breaks out their Jump to Conclusions mats and leaps toward the "New iPhone!" square. Maybe, maybe not. Foxconn does build a lot of products for companies besides Apple, you know.

Faked Photo of 'iPhone 5S Logic Board' With A7 Chip Making the Rounds (MacRumors)

You know a rumor is a stinker when Mac-"Digitimes reports that"-Rumors takes time out to debunk it. All snark aside, they did an excellent job ripping this fake photo a new one.

iPhone 5S May Come Equipped with 12-Megapixel Rear Camera and Improved Night Shooting (MacRumors)

The Vietnamese source of this rumor has been a reliable source of information on unreleased Apple products many times before. And since neither of these features sound particularly outlandish, I'd put this one in the (very small) "plausible" rumor pile.

Facebook Home to come to iPhone? We're not holding our breath ... (9to5 Mac)

I find myself in full agreement with 9to5 Mac on this one. If Apple did engage in "talks" with Facebook about integrating Facebook Home in iOS, I bet those talks didn't get much farther than someone at Apple saying, "LOL. No." Apple's not going to relinquish that much control over the iOS user experience to a third party. Anyone who honestly believes otherwise hasn't been paying attention to the "walled garden" and "Big Brother Apple" cliches that have been flying around for the past five years.

More affordable iPhone predicted to grab Apple 11% share of low-end market in 2014 (AppleInsider)

Gene "Apple HDTV coming in 201x" Munster turns his gaze upon another long-rumored but never seen product: the "budget iPhone." A bunch of made-up numbers follow like a stream of... well, let's just say, "something you wouldn't want to see in your kitchen" and leave it at that.

Purported next-gen iPad case pictured, again pointing to major redesign (BGR)

BGR busts out with the word "purported" for this story, which is a photo of a physical object -- a case allegedly designed around the next-gen iPad's form factor. I wonder if BGR is anywhere near as objective about stories sourced from "analysts" and/or daydreaming pundits?

Forbes: Don't expect anything 'new' from Apple in 2013 (BGR)

Nope; not an ounce of skepticism here. Some guy at Forbes says there is nothing new under Apple's sun for the rest of this year, and BGR re-reports it without a trace of incredulity.

iPhone 5S, low-cost iPhone and Retina iPad mini launches all reportedly pushed back (BGR)

Similarly, BGR completely takes "analyst" Peter Misek's ravings about Apple's product roadmap for 2013 at face value... in spite of the fact that Misek has been demonstrably wrong about all things Apple on many, many, many occasions.

So here's how the score shapes up: Leaked photos of physical objects = cautious skepticism. Some analyst says something about Apple = STOP THE PRESSES. I've singled out BGR this week, but it's the same story with most of the rumor blogs out there right now.

The relationship between "analysts" and the rumor blogs reminds me of all the little old ladies I used to see camped out in front of slot machines in Vegas. The odds of hitting a sizeable jackpot were vanishingly low, but there they sat anyway, pulling those levers or pushing those buttons over and over again in the vain hope that this time it might pay off.

iPad 5 Estimated to Be 15% Thinner, 25% Lighter Than Current iPad (MacRumors)

Read any analyst source's "research note" or "note to investors" and keep a tally of how many times he/she says, "We think" or "We believe." These people have no proof for any of these claims about Apple, its products, its potential financial performance, or its future roadmap. None. They are guessing. Their guesses are wrong far more often than they are right. They are not worth taking seriously. At all. Speaking of sources not worth taking seriously...

Apple Halting Mac Component Orders Due to Overestimated Demand? (MacRumors)

"Digitimes reports that" --BZZZT! Next.

Lower-Cost iPhone's Plastic Rear Shell Reportedly Surfaces (MacRumors)

From the article: "We also can not verify whether this is indeed a legitimate rear shell for Apple's lower-cost iPhone. It could simply be manufactured based on circulating rumors, but even if fake it could be an accurate representation if it is based on design specs leaking through case makers."

In other words: It could be real. It could be fake. We don't know. It's anybody's guess, really. Journalism! *jazz hands*

New shots show supposed 'iPhone 5S' camera, unidentified part (AppleInsider)

Is there any other industry where such inconsequential leaks get so much attention? "BREAKING: Gas cap for 2014-model BMW K1300R surfaces (pics)"

Apple warned not to stay quiet, must do 'something by September' (BGR)

Some analyst is screaming for Apple to "[do] SOMETHING" by September. Apparently making obscenely huge amounts of money every three months doesn't count as doing SOMETHING -- all that matters is that everything Apple's selling right now is literally MONTHS old. WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY, APPLE? I need an iPhone 5S, an iWatch, and an Apple HDTV, and I need them NOW, or I WALK.

Rumor Roundup: Selective skepticism originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Amazon's Goodreads purchase cancelled a possible Apple partnership

Mike Schramm — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST

The Wall Street Journal says that before Amazon's purchase of the Goodreads service earlier this year, Apple was planning to possibly integrate the social reading-recommendation service into its own iBookstore. Apple and Goodreads, says the WSJ, had been talking for a year or more about combining Goodreads' social ratings for books into the iBooks app directly, but of course Amazon's purchase put the kibosh on any such team-up. Amazon purchased Goodreads for what could be close to $200 million, and purportedly plans to use the service and its user reviews to help sell e-books on the Kindle bookstore.

As for Apple, it's hard to say just what such a partnership would have looked like. Obviously Apple is willing to integrate partners in certain products, especially on iOS, where both Twitter and Facebook have seen fairly major social integration. But on the other hand, Apple's also very careful about mixing up brands, which is probably why any possible Goodreads partnership took as long as it did to come to light. Apple's seen a lot of success with iBooks, and so the company might be leery about including anyone else's content on that store.

Nevertheless, thanks to the Amazon acquisition, integrating Goodreads on the iBookstore is no longer a possibility. Currently, users can review books on iBooks in exactly the same way they can review apps in the App Store, and that solution may be good enough for Apple for now.

Rumor: Amazon's Goodreads purchase cancelled a possible Apple partnership originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: A new definition of 'insider'

Chris Rawson — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

The rumor blogs are developing a curious type of tunnel vision lately. Any time a rumored new hire, new part, new technology, or new patent appears that can't be immediately tied to one of Apple's existing products, the rumor blogs immediately start braying about the iWatch. They did exactly the same thing last year, except in 2012 the Apple HDTV was the Big Mythical Apple Device of the Year.

5th Generation iPad to Begin Production in July-August (MacRumors)

"Digitimes claims that" -BZZZT. Next.

'iPhone 5S', cheaper iPhone to come in multiple new colors, July announcement? (9to5 Mac)

Macotakara claims the next iPhone will come in three additional colors. It's worth mentioning that the first time this rumor came about, it was sourced from an analyst who's wrong about Apple's product pipeline often enough that it merited a special post on Cult of Mac outlining his terrible accuracy record.

Apple and Yahoo in active discussions regarding increased partnership for Siri, search (Wall Street Journal, via 9to5 Mac)

This makes a little more sense than the usual garden-variety Apple rumor. Apple and Yahoo aren't really competitors -- certainly not to the extent that Apple and Google are -- so Apple partnering with Yahoo to source some data for things like Siri actually makes sense.

OS X 10.8.4 code confirms new Macs incoming with super-fast 802.11ac Gigabit wireless support (9to5 Mac)

Although these types of leaks are theoretically trivially easy to fake, they usually turn out to be accurate.

Is this the front of Apple's next-generation iPad? (Engadget)

Yeah, probably.

Korea Times posts its latest 'Apple moving away from Samsung' claim (9to5 Mac)

From the article: "The paper regularly claims that Apple is abandoning Samsung as a supplier, and is regularly wrong." Okay... so why repost this "news" in the first place?

Microsoft's Office for iOS, Android: Not until fall 2014? (ZDNet)

The longer Microsoft waits, the less relevant Office will be in a post-PC world. We've already had three years to get used to the idea of creating content on an iPad without Microsoft's help. The company certainly isn't doing itself any favors by ignoring this market... then again, when was the last time Microsoft was undeniably firing on all cylinders?

Analyst says Apple may launch new internet service, 'killer iOS app' after meeting with management (AppleInsider)

The analyst in question seems to be making a habit of meeting with Apple management, then coming out with extraordinarily vague claims about Apple's product pipeline shortly thereafter. I seriously doubt Apple's management is giving her any more information than they usually give out at their quarterly financial conference calls -- in other words, "We don't comment on unreleased products."

Component may show dual-head vibration motor for Apple's low-cost iPhone (AppleInsider)

Add this to the rogue's gallery of "History's Least Exciting Product Leaks."

5-inch iPhone Analysis: Apple Needs an 'iPhad,' Topeka Says (BGR)

Some analyst decided to double down on his track record of being wrong about Apple by suggesting that Apple's best -- maybe only -- chance for success is to essentially copy Samsung's product strategy. Riiiight.

Development issues may cause later-than-expected debuts of 'iPhone 5S,' low-cost iPhone & next iPad mini (AppleInsider)

From the article: "The bulk of Apple's 2013 product pipeline will likely launch later than many market watchers expect, according to one insider." Wow, who is this "insider" with such intimate knowledge of Apple's release schedule? Some financial analyst.

This is a perfect example of the low point the various rumor blogs have reached. When analysts are classified as "insiders," where does it end? Is Digitimes up for election to Apple's Board of Directors?

Apple close to closing 'iRadio' streaming deal with Warner, royalties on par with Pandora rates (9to5 Mac)

This zombie rumor simply refuses to die, no matter how much time passes and no matter how many times it fails to come true. It's the kind of thing we can all envision happening someday -- eventually -- so when it does, count on the rumor blogs to trumpet their accuracy while ignoring literally years of false prophecy.

Next-gen iPad could use new LED backlighting system to cut weight (AppleInsider)

This is far from the first time this rumor has been announced, and it's mundane enough that it's probably true.

Rumor: Ex-Adobe exec Kevin Lynch heading Apple team of former iPod employees (AppleInsider)

From the article: "It's unknown exactly what Lynch's new mystery team is working on, but the site speculated on Friday that the new division could be working on Apple's rumored smart watch accessory."

As mentioned earlier, this is the latest trend in the rumor scene. "We don't know what Apple's doing or what it's for... so it must be about the iWatch!" Non sequitur; your thoughts are uncoordinated.

Fingerprint identification technology may be next-gen iPhone's Siri (BGR)

Or... and bear with me here... it may not feature on the device at all. Just like last year. In the meantime, maybe you should stop posting every single word "Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White" says about Apple as though it were carved on unibody aluminium tablets, because you're going to look awfully silly when his predictions turn out to have a lower accuracy percentage than random chance.

Longtime Apple Board Member Bill Campbell Says Technology Coming to 'Intimate Objects' (MacRumors)

One of Apple's board members makes off-the-cuff remarks about "intimate objects" = rumor blogs fall all over one another in the race to be FIRST! to post a story linking this to Apple's supposed smart watch endeavors.

Microsoft Looking to Join the Smart Watch Race (MacRumors)

No comment necessary. Sometimes the jokes just write themselves.

Rumor Roundup: A new definition of 'insider' originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: Psychic Friends Network

Chris Rawson — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST

Back in the 90s, you couldn't watch TV after 10 o'clock at night without seeing at least one commercial for the Psychic Friends Network and/or Miss Cleo. I always used to wonder what happened to those guys after the bankruptcies and fraud investigations, but I think I've got it figured out: they all became financial analysts and Apple rumormongers. It makes perfect sense.

Rumor: Apple's expiring chip contract with Samsung will lead to TSMC-built 'A7' chips (AppleInsider)

Remember back in 2011, when TSMC started building A5 processors and Apple kicked Samsung to the curb? Remember when it happened again in 2012 with the A6? ...No? You don't remember either of those events? Weird. Neither do I.

More signs point to 2013 Apple 'iWatch' launch (BGR)

In this case, "signs" can be defined as some analyst's random ravings about Apple's future plans, with no evidence to support any of his claims. We'll hear more truly laughable stuff from this particular analyst later.

Apple to Begin iPhone Production This Quarter (Wall Street Journal)

Despite the mainstream pedigree of the Journal's name, this article brings absolutely nothing new to the table. Other rumors have already suggested virtually everything contained here: Apple may or may not launch the iPhone 5S in the summer, and it may or may not launch a "budget" model at the same time or soon thereafter.

"Kudos" to the Journal, however, for somehow managing to frame this as yet another problem for Apple. And a very special shout-out to the concussed analyst they interviewed who suggested that "Apple needs to take a page from Samsung and launch more products faster." It's so obvious now; the only way to "save" Apple is to copy Samsung. Why didn't anyone think of this before? Anyone without a history of massive head trauma, I mean.

The Latest Apple Scuttlebutt (Daring Fireball)

In contrast to most of the frankly absurd Apple rumors out there, this thread on Branch contains some very interesting analysis from several people who have offered very accurate insights on Apple in the past. Most intriguing is the rumor that Jonathan Ive's sweeping UI changes to iOS 7 have set the OS update behind schedule, and both resources and employees have been transferred from development on OS X 10.9 to help get iOS 7 out the door on time.

Rumor: Apple television with 'iRing' motion controller to launch this year (AppleInsider)

In direct contrast to the well-sourced and level-headed analysis of the previous item comes this... thing... which is easily the dumbest thing I've read all week. This "iRing" concept looks like something from The Onion, or a poorly-executed April Fool's gag. Instead, some analyst actually floated this as a possible future Apple product... and he did it with a straight face. Do you need any more evidence that these so-called "analysts" are not worth taking even the slightest bit seriously?

Fingerprint scanning tech predicted to be major component of Apple's 'iPhone 5S' & 'iWatch' (AppleInsider)

The same analyst responsible for this week's most ridiculous rumor reached into 2012's rumor bin and dragged out the old "iPhone will have a fingerprint sensor" chestnut.

Apple reportedly closing in on deal with record labels for 'iRadio' service, could sign within a week (AppleInsider)

How many years has it been now that Apple has been asymptotically approaching a deal with record labels for a streaming music service?

RUMOR: Apple to announce replacement for Mac Pro soon (MacDailyNews)

According to MacDailyNews, "Our source offered no information as to whether the 'Mac Pro replacement' would be a tower, mini-tower, or some other solution." The Mac Pro might even be a razor. It could have two blades! Or three! Or -- and we caution that we have not been able to independently corroborate this information -- the Mac Pro could have as many as five blades. If anyone can do it, Apple can.

Apple Notebook Refresh Expected Late This Quarter, But Only Modest Shipment Growth for 2013 (MacRumors)

Citing supply chain sources, Digitimes reports that you are not the father.

Rumor Roundup: Psychic Friends Network originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Scuttlebutt: iOS 7 development behind schedule

Kelly Hodgkins — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 7 at WWDC this year, and anticipation is high for the next version of Apple's mobile OS. With the departure of former iOS chief Scott Forstall and the transition of iOS into the hands of Jony Ive, everyone is excited by the potential changes that may be in store for iPhone and iPad owners.

In a recent conversation on Branch, John Gruber of Daring Fireball claims that "iOS 7 is running behind, and engineers have been pulled from OS X 10.9 to work on it." Clayton Morris of FOX News adds that he has also heard from engineers who were moved from "non-profit generating projects" to high-priority software projects.

Part of the reason for this scramble with iOS is allegedly a "system-wide UI overhaul" that Gruber says has prompted engineers to put polarizing filters on their iPhone displays so other people can't see what they are developing. Rene Ritchie corroborates what Gruber has heard and adds that "Ive's work is apparently making many people really happy, but will also apparently make rich-texture-loving designers sad."

There are also some rumblings about an April or May event to announce a new iPad. Supposedly, this tablet event will be distinct from WWDC, which will focus on iOS 7. The launch window for the next iPhone also is still up in the air with dates of July and August being tossed around.

[Via Daring Fireball]

Scuttlebutt: iOS 7 development behind schedule originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: 'Deafening buzz'

Chris Rawson — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST

"April showers bring May flowers." This old phrase refers to rain showers, but it could just as easily apply to the shower of "analysis" and rumors regarding Apple and its products. You could print any one of these stories out and use it to fertilize your lawn.

Apple expected to report record revenues - but falling earnings (9to5 Mac)

According to Fortune, "The bad news is that every analyst we've surveyed -- even the most bullish -- believes that for the first time in a decade Apple (AAPL) will report that its income this quarter was lower than the same quarter the year before."

The good news is that financial analysts have absolutely no clue what they're talking about when it comes to Apple.

Why the budget iPhone would throw the smartphone market into chaos (BGR)

"The buzz around the budget iPhone has grown deafening, with new reports about the device coming out on a weekly basis."

The "buzz" certainly is deafening. Almost as deafening as the lack of any substantiating evidence that this product exists at all. The idea behind this product doesn't even make sense -- it's allegedly a cheaper, cut-rate version of the existing iPhone designed to increase Apple's market share at the expense of its profits. Do any of the people writing about this supposed "budget iPhone" pay any attention whatsoever to how Apple actually operates?

That was a rhetorical question.

Apple analyst Gene Munster still clinging to HDTV this year, warns no major product announcements until June iPhone 5S launch (9to5 Mac)

Munster was demonstrably wrong in his prediction of a March launch for the Retina display iPad mini, so it's an open question why we should take any of his other predictions seriously.

Digitimes says Apple is working on a 4K TV for either later this year or early next year (9to5 Mac)

Give 9to5 Mac a hand for including Digitimes' name in the headline, thus making it unnecessary to read the article at all to determine whether or not this rumor has the slightest chance of coming true.

Apple Cutting iPad Mini Shipments in Q2 2013 to Prepare for Next Generation? (MacRumors)

"Digitimes is reporting that" -- BZZZZZT! WRONG!

Apple's ceramic device housing could be used in low-cost iPhone (AppleInsider)

Exhibit A: a patent filing. Exhibit B: Some analyst's wild guesses based on that patent filing. 404 error, actual news not found.

iPhone 5S announcement rumored for June 20th, launch in July (BGR)

By this point, the rumor blogs have predicted the next iPhone will launch in every month between now and the end of the year. I'd like to see these guys at a roulette wheel in Vegas. "$500 on red. And $500 on black, too. C'mon, red or black! Daddy needs a new pair of shoes!"

Exclusive: Apple will launch an official gaming joypad soon (PocketGamer)

Exclusive: nope.

Biting the hand that feeds you: why are record labels fighting Pandora? (The Verge)

Buried within this article are assertions that "iRadio" is definitely coming out this year. If you just got a sudden blast of déjà vu, that's because people have been saying Apple will "definitely" launch a streaming music service "this year" for several years in a row.

Rumor Roundup: 'Deafening buzz' originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Streaming radio may be the next frontier for Apple's music efforts

Yoni Heisler — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST

In a rather interesting article last week detailing music service Pandora's ongoing struggle with record labels' streaming fees, The Verge says that "iRadio," Apple's rumored Pandora competitor, is being primed for a launch this Summer.

"Much has been written about Apple's plan to launch a Pandora-esque service this year. Now multiple music industry insiders have told The Verge that significant progress has been made in the talks with two of the top labels: Universal and Warner. One of the sources said 'iRadio is coming. There's no doubt about it anymore.' Apple is pushing hard for a summertime launch."

Given the seemingly fickle nature of record labels and Apple's well-known intransigence when it comes to negotiations, our advice is to take this report with a grain of salt. Still, rumors of Apple's interest in launching its own streaming music service have persisted for quite some time.

The likeliest sticking points in Apple's efforts to launch an iRadio service are the royalty payments to music labels. Most recently, the New York Post claimed that Apple was hoping to pay record labels about US$0.06 per 100 songs streamed. To put that into context, Pandora currently pays record labels 12 cents per 100 songs streamed. Meanwhile, Spotify (which allows consumers to select individual songs for playing / mobile sync, in addition to its streaming programming) pays record labels 36 cents per every 100 songs streamed.

As to why Apple wants to get into the music streaming business: it's always helpful to follow the money. To that end, approximately 50 percent of Apple's iTunes revenue originates from purchases made on mobile devices. And when you also consider that both Pandora and Spotify are extremely popular iOS applications, it's clear that there's already a huge market for music streaming. It only makes sense that Apple would want a piece of that pie.

With a streaming radio service under the iTunes umbrella, Apple could generate revenue from advertising and music subscriptions -- all the while funneling customers who want to buy songs from the iRadio service to the iTunes Music Store. While record labels might be wary of ceding any ground to Apple, they shouldn't let old grudges get in the way of acquiring new revenue streams.

Streaming radio is a great idea, as long as there's an ecosystem of mobile devices to listen in. While there have been upwards of 500 million iOS devices sold, Apple says nearly 300 million (60 percent) of those devices have shipped with or have been updated to iOS 6 (as of January 2013). The takeaway is that iOS users, more so than their Android counterparts, are much more likely to upgrade to the most current available mobile OS version. [In fairness, with Android updates bottlenecked through the mobile carriers, a much smaller proportion of the Android installed base is eligible to run the latest version. -Ed.]

Consequently, if Apple updates iOS such that an iRadio service is embedded into the Music app -- or perhaps as a featured standalone app, in the same fashion that the Podcasts app has been broken out from Music -- it may very well shake up the digital musical landscape yet again.

Streaming radio may be the next frontier for Apple's music efforts originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumors hint Facebook is working on Android phone competitor (Updated)

Kelly Hodgkins — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST

Facebook is sending out press invitations to an April 4th event that'll involve Android. The company behind the world's largest social network is inviting journalists to "Come See Our New Home On Android." Details on the invitation are sparse, but sources for TechCrunch and others hint this event is about a Facebook-flavored phone.

According to the rumor, Facebook is preparing a version of Android that is tied deeply into the Facebook framework, much like Amazon and its version of Android that is present on the Kindle Fire. Facebook's version of Android may show up on a handset made by HTC. It won't be a Facebook-branded phone per se, but a heavily influenced version of Android that runs on OEM phones.

Apple users are not likely going to be interested in an Android phone with a strong Facebook influence, but it does call into question Apple's relationship with the social network. Will it sour now that Facebook is cozying up with the competition?

Update: While rumors last night focused on a Facebook-flavored phone from HTC, The Wall Street Journal chimed in this morning with a report that claims Facebook is working on software that "displays content from users' Facebook accounts on a smartphone's home screen -- the first screen visible when they turn on the device." HTC may be the first manufacturer to include this software on their phones.

Rumors hint Facebook is working on Android phone competitor (Updated) originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: Attack of the copycats

Chris Rawson — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST

Apple's competitors have almost devolved to the point of self-parody. Samsung and Google are perfect examples; they're now both gearing up to push products to market simply because Apple has been rumored to be working on a wearable computer or "iWatch." Some blatantly anti-Apple pundits will of course lambast Apple's product as "unoriginal" or "derivative" when/if it ever comes to market, since Samsung and Google will presumably have their own versions available for sale first.

The one thing that's most predictable about Apple "analysis" is its complete lack of grounding in logic.

Apple rumored to launch Retina iPad mini in Q3 2013 (AppleInsider)

Asian sources throw darts at a wall and come up with yet another purported launch date for the next-gen iPad mini with Retina Display. There's no proof, of course, so don't put too much money down on this rumor.

Apple revival said to start with 'killer feature' planned for iPhone 5S (BGR)

From the article: "Huberty gave no hint about what this 'killer feature' might entail." That's probably because she has no idea. Apple isn't going to reveal potential features ahead of schedule to a financial analyst.

Apple expected to double dividend to $16 billion, among highest in U.S. history (BGR)

Some analyst thinks Apple's going to double its dividend payouts. Somehow, having over a hundred billion dollars in cash sitting around is a huge problem. I wish I had problems like that.

Survey shows huge interest in an HDTV from Apple, but few willing to commit (BGR)

69 percent of people surveyed said they might consider purchasing a product that Apple has shown no interest in building and that most reasonable people have accepted will likely never see the light of day. On the other hand, only 15 percent would "feel comfortable" buying a completely mythical product.

Apple predicted to gain additional U.S. smartphone share over Samsung in 2013 (AppleInsider)

Some analyst thinks Apple will gobble up some of Samsung's market share this year following a seemingly lackluster product launch for the Samsung Galaxy S IV. Hmmm... seems Samsung is even copying Apple's "disappointing" product launches now. Can "Samsung is DOOMED" be far behind?

iPhone 5S to Get Upgraded Camera and Processor, Could Ship to Retailers in the 3rd Quarter (MacRumors)

"Digitimes is reporting" -- blah blah blah, yadda yadda yadda. "Reporting" isn't the proper word for what Digitimes is doing. "Making [expletive deleted] up" is more like it.

New low-end iPhone expected to cost half as much as iPhone 5, margins seen at 38% (BGR)

Some analysts threw a bunch of numbers around about a product not even remotely confirmed to exist. If this sounds familiar, that's because it's been happening at an average of once per week this whole year. None of these people actually have any clue how much this product will cost consumers, how much it will cost to make, or if it even exists at all. The more specific their numbers, the more laughable their predictions.

Google Reportedly Working on Its Own Android Smart Watch (MacRumors)

Samsung and Google are no longer content to copy existing Apple products; now they've moved on to copying rumored Apple products. It's only a matter of time before Google dispatches private eyes to start sifting through Jonathan Ive's trash bins.

Rumor: Apple to launch cheaper iPhone with plastic casing, non-Retina display this summer (AppleInsider)

Some analyst makes a series of unsourced and unbelievable claims about a low-cost iPhone. Just like every other analyst on the planet, he has no proof for any of these claims. Not a shred. The claim that a new iPhone will debut without a Retina Display is particularly appalling -- I don't know how this analyst expected anyone to buy that nonsense. But does that stop the rumor blogs from reporting it anyway? Nope.

Alleged iPhone 5S Home Button, Vibrator and Volume/Mute Flex Cable Parts Surface (MacRumors)

And here we go... incredibly exciting parts leaks here. If by "incredibly exciting" you mean "not remotely exciting in the slightest."

Rumor Roundup: Attack of the copycats originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Now isn't awaiting approval

Steven Sande — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST

Perhaps you're an iPhone user who has been wistfully looking at the features of Google Now on a number of Android phones and hoping that someday, your phone would be able to perform many of the same functions. According to a comment made by Google CEO Eric Schmidt today at the Google Big Tent Summit in India, Google Now may be making it to your iPhone and iPad sooner than you think. Although Jim Dalrymple and John Paczkowski throw cold water on this notion, noting that the Google Now app hasn't been submitted.

When asked by a moderator when Google Now would work with his iPhone, Schmidt responded by saying "You'll need to discuss that with Apple. Apple has a policy of approving or disapproving apps that are submitted into its store, and some of them they approve and some of them they don't." As TechCrunch's Darrell Etherington notes, that's "similar to the kind of messaging that came out of Google and its execs when rumors were swirling about releasing Maps as a standalone app."

Engadget received a supposed leaked video (below) last week showing how Google Now would work on iPhone and iPad, and demonstrating how the service is available from within the Google Search app with a simple swipe up on the screen.

Google Now isn't awaiting approval originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: 'Free donuts tomorrow'

Chris Rawson — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST

A few weeks ago, I compared the world of Apple "analysis" and rumors to the worst possible game of Wheel of Fortune. Upon further reflection, it feels a lot more like the combination of a drunken game of darts and hanging an intentionally misleading "Free donuts tomorrow" sign in front of a restaurant.

A year after Apple announced its dividend, 'timing could be right' for another cash deployment (AppleInsider)

Some analyst thinks Apple is going to start paying out bigger dividends to shareholders in order to start chipping away at its giant pile of cash. But the real news comes in the final paragraph, courtesy of well-known A-list investor Warren Buffet. AppleInsider says that according to Buffet, "Apple's best strategy is to simply run its business well." No. Go on! You're pulling our legs, Warren.

Supply Chain Indicators Point to Poor February for Apple (MacRumors)

Some analyst (the same one from the rumor above, incidentally) says his "supply chain checks" indicate Apple had a "terrible" February. Of course, Apple CEO Tim Cook himself has said that these so-called supply chain checks often don't capture the full picture of Apple's operations, so why analysts continue to lend them so much weight is an open question.

Apple to use fingerprint sensor to enhance the security of NFC mobile payments in next iPhone? (9to5 Mac)

If this rumor sounds achingly familiar, it's because virtually every word of it was said about the iPhone 5 last year.

Apple predicted to announce plans for growing cash pile by April, will add $42B over 2013 (AppleInsider)

Another analyst says Apple will announce its financial plans for its US$137 billion pile of cash next month. He refrains from speculating much on what those plans might be, however. My bet? Apple launches its own constellation of GPS satellites to address problems with Apple Maps. Hey, it's more likely than the perennial rumor that Apple will buy Twitter.

Rumor: Intel could land 10% of Apple's 'A7' chip orders (AppleInsider)

Given that this story is sourced from Digitimes, you can safely change that 10% figure to 0%.

AAPL Analyst Short of the day: Jefferies' Misek downgrades on expensive low cost iPhone, own casing color prediction unlikelihood (9to5 Mac)

Peter Misek is wrong about Apple's future plans so often that a few weeks ago Cult of Mac did a breakdown of his incorrect predictions over the past few years. Yet for some reason, rumor blogs are still publishing his musings as though they're gospel.

IDC estimates Android will pass Apple for worldwide tablet market share in 2013 on the back of smaller/cheaper tablets (9to5 Mac)

This is the same IDC that, once upon a time, thought Windows Phone 7 was going to overtake iOS market share. How did that prediction fare?

Apple's HDTV reportedly delayed, iWatch may launch this year (BGR)

Peter Misek is at it again: the Apple HDTV is supposedly "delayed" yet again and due to launch "sometime next year," and he gives the iWatch a 50/50 chance of launching this year.

"Apple HDTV delayed until next year" is the headline that keeps on giving. It's like putting a readerboard sign in front of your restaurant that says "Free donuts tomorrow" -- you never need to pay off on the promise, because technically the board always says the donuts will be free at some future date.

Apple Reportedly Preparing to Announce Larger Dividend or Stock Buyback (MacRumors)

Yet another financial outlet claims to have the inside story on what Apple plans to do with its cash stockpile. With so many outlets reporting the same thing, that Apple plans to make an announcement by next month, it's hard to shake the feeling that the Internet's echo chamber is hard at work yet again.

Apple to diversify manufacturers for low-cost and legacy iPhones (AppleInsider)

Some analyst claims Pegatron will start taking over the lion's share of iPhone production from longtime manufacturer Foxconn. We've been hearing this same rumor for years now, and it's definitely starting to feel like yet another case of "free donuts tomorrow" from the rumor blogs. Speaking of which...

Apple's next-gen A7 processor reportedly being readied for production by TSMC (AppleInsider)

The number following the capital-A changes each year, but the rumor doesn't. Each year we hear that the A(x) chip will be built by TSMC instead of Apple's bitter rival Samsung. Each year, it fails to happen. That this story is sourced from "sometimes reliable" Digitimes seals the deal on the probable veracity of this rumor.

Apple proposes 'on-the-go' wireless charging via iPad Smart Cover with built-in battery (AppleInsider)

This patent is actually quite fascinating, suggesting that future iPad Smart Covers could act as portable, wireless chargers for the iPads they connect to. Given how thin the Smart Covers are compared to the iPads themselves, and considering that most of the internal volume of an iPad is its battery, it's questionable how much extra juice you'd get from a Smart Cover. On the other hand, as anyone who makes heavy daily use of an iPad knows, every last milliamp of charge counts.

Apple's 'budget' iPhone expected to have same 4-inch display as iPhone 5 (AppleInsider)

At this point, one gets the sense that these analysts are simply throwing darts at a wall in an attempt to divine the size of Apple's supposed "low-cost" iPhone. "The screen will be bigger! No, smaller! No, bigger! Wait, it'll be the same size!" It's a typical case of self-contradiction in the world of Apple analysis, and a perfect example of why hardly any of these so-called "analysts" are worth taking even the slightest bit seriously.

Apple's Retina iPad mini to follow debut of high-res Google's Nexus 7, report says (AppleInsider)

"Supply chain checks" supposedly reveal that Google will introduce a high-resolution version of its Nexus 7 before a Retina Display-equipped iPad mini reaches the market.

"When would the Mini be available? Could be third quarter or fourth quarter," one of the analysts said. Translation: "I dunno." *throws dart at a wall full of numbers*

Rumor Roundup: 'Free donuts tomorrow' originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: 'A mixed record with Apple rumors'

Chris Rawson — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST

The "iWatch" isn't even remotely confirmed to exist yet, but if you think that's stopped analysts from predicting it'll be either Apple's salvation or the harbinger of its demise (depending on which way the chicken bones fall), then you must be new to the world of Apple rumors.

Meanwhile, this week brought us rumors of other, slightly more believable Apple products -- and the sources ran the gamut from "right so often he must have inside sources" to "wrong so often that flipping a coin will get you better results." Anyone want to take bets on which category will feature "reports out of the Far East?"

Apple's Planned 'IWatch' Could Be More Profitable Than TV - Bloomberg

Bloomberg doubles down on its prediction that the iWatch will launch this year. Of course, lots of people have said the same thing about the Apple HDTV, and that's nowhere to be seen either.

Apple's watch will run iOS and arrive later this year, say sources | The Verge

The iWatch will supposedly run full iOS, according to The Verge's sources. However, those same sources say battery life issues are stymying Apple's efforts.

Jony Ive Ordered Boxes Of Nike Watches - Business Insider

Jony Ive supposedly ordered a bunch of Nike watches in the mid-2000s, which Bloomberg takes to mean he's been thinking about the iWatch for a long time.

Hey, I'll bet Ive bought a car when he was 16 years old... BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Jony Ive to design iCar

Apple Building 2TB Solid State Drives for Next Mac Pro Release? (MacRumors)

Some site you've never heard of has an unconfirmed report that Apple is developing high-capacity SSDs for its next Mac Pro. You know, the one it hasn't updated significantly since 2010, and that's been on deathwatch for two years. Makes sense. Remember, in the rumor business, "unconfirmed report" = page view gold.

Apple to debut 'iPhone 5S' in June alongside low-cost fiberglass and plastic handset (AppleInsider)

Some analyst makes very specific claims about Apple's supposedly forthcoming hardware. Very few of these claims are original; however, this guy's been right several times in the past, so it's tougher to dismiss his claims out of hand.

iPhone 5S planned for August, next iPads may debut as soon as April | iMore.com

Speaking of people who've been right many times, Rene Ritchie of iMore says the next iPads will come out in April, with the iPhone 5S following in August. He hasn't been wrong yet.

Apple could ditch the home button for pressure-sensitive casing in future iPhones (BGR)

Why do so many rumormongers hate the Home button? What did it ever do to them? Did that small, concave circle with its unobtrusive rounded rectangle run over someone's dog? Did it date somebody's daughter and bring her home after midnight? We spent a good portion of last year and the year before that hearing about how Apple was going to ditch the Home button on the iPad and the iPhone. It didn't happen. It won't happen. There's a point at which simplicity of design becomes too cumbersome to tolerate from a usability perspective. Just ask the third-generation iPod shuffle.

Rumor: Production of Apple's 'iPhone 5S' now underway at Foxconn (AppleInsider)

MacOtakara claims production of the iPhone 5S has already begun. This doesn't jibe well with iMore's prediction of an August launch -- millions of iPhones aren't going to gather dust in China for five months -- and since iMore is batting 1000 on their predictions, I'll go with them.

Apple Will Miss Its Own Revenue Guidance, Says Citi - Business Insider

Throw another log on the "Apple is doomed!" fire, because that "most accurate" of "sources," analysts checking supply chain sources, now claims Apple will miss its own quarterly revenue guidance. Keep in mind that Apple hasn't missed its own guidance in years, and its only "misses" have been against the hyperinflated expectations of dumbkopf Wall Street analysts.

Swatch CEO doesn't believe Apple's rumored 'iWatch' is next tech revolution (AppleInsider)

Synchronize Swatches! The CEO of Swatch doesn't think the iWatch will be revolutionary. Keep in mind this is a device that's not only unannounced, there's no actual evidence it exists. This is a lot like Samsung saying Apple's HDTV won't revolutionize that industry... oh wait, that happened too. Well, it's also like Microsoft's CEO saying the iPhone won't get any traction in the market -- oh, right. That also happened.

I guess the lesson here is to keep your opinions to yourself when predicting the demise of Apple's products, because otherwise you inevitably wind up sounding silly. Well, except for the people who thought Ping was a terrible idea. Good call on that one.

Rumor: Apple and Intel again mulling partnership to build A-series chips (AppleInsider)

Remember two years ago, when this same rumor surfaced? How many iPhones run on Intel processors today?

Apple reportedly slashes 9.7-inch iPad orders due to iPad mini cannibalization (BGR)

According to "sometimes reliable" Digitimes, Apple has "slashed" orders for the full-sized iPad. Where "sometimes reliable" = semiannually accurate, like a broken clock that's right twice a year. This isn't even the first time Digitimes has beaten this particular drum this year... and again, if what iMore has said is true, it's entirely possible Apple's "slashed" orders for the full-size iPad because its replacement is going into production.

Rumor: Apple will purportedly use Qualcomm's Snapdragon SoC in low-cost iPhone (AppleInsider)

This rumor sounds familiar too. Probably because it made the rounds in January of this year. It didn't make any sense then, and it doesn't make any sense now.

Apple Exploring Wireless Charging for iPhone as Early as 2013? (MacRumors)

From the article: "Digitimes has a mixed record with Apple rumors, so Apple's likelihood of incorporating such technology so soon remains uncertain."

That's an almost admirably diplomatic way of putting it.

Rumor Roundup: 'A mixed record with Apple rumors' originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: Play that funky Misek

Chris Rawson — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST

A modest proposal: Apple should award a unibody aluminum dunce cap to the analyst whose record of predictions turns out to be the worst in any given year. We're only into March, but one analyst is already standing above the rest.

Purported 'iPad 5' cases again hint Apple will adopt mini-like redesign (AppleInsider)

Direct from the article: "It's uncertain whether the case designs - all offering similar slots for controls, microphones, connectors, and speakers, and all shaped like the iPad mini - are based on familiarity with Apple's plans for a forthcoming iPad redesign or whether they are simply guesses based on assumptions of Apple's plans."

This disclaimer ought to accompany every single story like this. Case designers have been wrong many times.

Rotten rumors of impossible Apple stock split helps fund manager clear profits (AppleInsider)

"Apple may split its stock," says some guy. Based on that rumor, the stock price goes up. That same guy then sells some stock and makes a tidy profit. Nothing suspicious about that at all. Move along, nothing to see here.

Apple may need $137B cash hoard to weather 'very rough' next two years, analyst says (AppleInsider)

Peter "How does he still have a job?" Misek, who's built a career on being constantly incorrect about what Apple will do three to six months in the future, quadruples down and bets on what Apple's fortunes will be like over the next two years. All this really shows is Misek is adapting; rather than making short-term predictions that are soon proven false, he's playing the long game with predictions that won't be proven false until 2015.

Apple's versatile magnetic stand concept could securely hold an iPad upside down (AppleInsider)

Although the standard "Apple patents stuff that never sees store shelves" caveat applies, this is one case where I really hope this technology does make it into shipping products.

Corning Says Devices With Flexible 'Willow Glass' Displays Unlikely to Appear for at Least Three Years (MacRumors)

Remember when Corning announced flexible glass, and people with no concept of production scalability immediately shouted from the rooftops, "iWatch! iWatch coming in six months with flexible glass!" Well, it turns out that there's a wide gulf between "Look at this neat thing we can make," and "Look what we can crank out by the millions every month." Who knew?

Former Apple CEO: Apple needs another 'creative leap' (BGR)

John Sculley, who will be forever known as "The Guy Who Fired Steve Jobs," echoes all the strident doomsayers of the past six months by saying Apple needs to unveil its Next Big Thing if it wants to stay on top. Bear in mind that Sculley's tenure as CEO was the first step in transforming the Apple of the 1980s into the Apple of the 1990s, so take his advice with a grain of salt roughly 12,000 kilometers wide.

Rumor: $330 polycarbonate iPhone with 4.5" screen planned for 2014 (AppleInsider)

Now taking all bets on which, if any, of the numbers in that headline are even close to correct.

Rumor: Apple to ship 'iPhone 5S' and more affordable iPhone in August 2013

The "source" of this rumor might be the worst I've ever heard: a Chinese tech site citing analysts. It's totally backward, too -- usually it's the analysts citing sketchy Chinese sources, so now we've come full circle. The only way it could be worse is if Digitimes starts publishing rumors based on anything Peter Misek says about Apple. I'm sure if we wait long enough, it'll happen.

Rumor Roundup: Play that funky Misek originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor Roundup: Buy a vowel

Chris Rawson — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:30:00 EST

Picture three contestants on Wheel of Fortune who are all Wall Street analysts. They play all the dumb letters first -- Z, X, Q, and so forth -- and land on "Bankrupt" on almost every spin. Now picture the puzzle they're trying to solve is, "What will Apple do next?"

Welcome to the world of Apple rumors.

Apple could triple share of Chinese market with $330 'iPhone mini'

Some analyst spun the Wheel of Fortune and landed on a $330 price tag for a hypothetical "iPhone mini." I'd like to solve the puzzle: "Analyst crystal ball gazing isn't newsworthy."

Apple likely to debut $199 iPhone as low-cost smartphone market hits $135B in 2013

Gene "Apple HDTV!!" Munster spins the Wheel and lands on $199 for the low-cost iPhone. You've got to admire his tenacity considering how many times Munster's spun and landed on "Lose A Turn."

Rumor: Apple lining up suppliers for Retina MacBook Air, next-gen iPad (AppleInsider)

Macotakara claims we'll see a Retina MacBook Air this year. They've gotten lucky with their claims in the past, but for the sake of my credit card balance, I sincerely hope they're wrong this time.

AU Optronics Catches Up with iPad Mini Display Production, Begins Working on Displays for Next Generation Model (MacRumors)

According to a report from Digitimes, something something "journalism" huh?

Foxconn reportedly halts hiring due to slow iPhone 5 production, resumes next month (for next iPhone?) (9to5 Mac)

Obviously this means two things: the next iPhone is due out in mid-year, and Apple is doomed.

Preferred stock seen as Apple's chance to 'seize the opportunity' and reverse losses (AppleInsider)

Some analyst thinks Apple will start paying higher dividends to shareholders. That will supposedly help Apple get rid of the massive pile of cash it has sitting around that's otherwise not doing much except being awe-inspiring.

Apple patent filing points directly to 'iWatch' concept with flexible touchscreen display (AppleInsider)

The real news here: Apple's bringing back slap bracelets. Brace yourself for iPogs in 2014.

iPad 5 release date: Redesigned iPad to launch in Q3 | BGR

A "Taiwan-based research firm" apparently reads the same rumors as the rest of us, because the only new claim here is that Apple will discontinue the iPad 2.

Possible Photos of Second-Generation iPad Mini Rear Shell Surface (MacRumors)

The site responsible for this latest leak has had many positive hits in the past. My gut says this one is probably legitimate.

First photos of case for next full-sized iPad again point to narrower, iPad mini-like design (9to5 Mac)

If the next-gen, full-sized iPad doesn't look like a giant iPad mini, I'll be extremely shocked. I imagine these intrepid case makers will be even more shocked, though.

Morgan Stanley Meets With Apple's CFO - Business Insider

Even Business Insider is skeptical on this one.

"Stop us if you've heard this one before -- " stop

"A Wall Street analyst meets with Apple's management --" STOP

"and comes away more confident about Apple making a cheaper iPhone." please make it stop

Is Apple's Future BlackBerry, Microsoft Or Amazon? - Forbes

Forbes is on a roll, but unfortunately that roll is, "Worst financial analysis possible regarding the world's most financially successful company."

This analyst opened his article with a Mark Twain quote, so I'll close with one:

"Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please."

Rumor Roundup: Buy a vowel originally appeared on TUAW - The Unofficial Apple Weblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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